Folding top for vehicles



May 13; 1924.

G. H. HIGGINS FOLDING TOP FOR VEHICLES Filed Aug. 22, 1914 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Mqryzsszs: 1043213205- 1W flTTOR/VEM May 13, 1924. 1,493,814

G. H. HIGGINS FOLDING TOP FOR VEHICLES Filed Aug. 22, L934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A T'TO/P/VEY- Patented May 13, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE E. HIGGINS, OF CORTLAND, IFEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO JAMES THURSTON WOLFE, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

FOLDING TOP FOB VEHICLES.

Application filed August 22, 1914. Serial No. 858,032.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Gnonon H. HIGGINS, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of Cortland, in the county of Cortland,

6 in the State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Folding Tops for Vehicles, of which the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a full, clear, and exact descrip- 10 tion.

This invention relates to certain improvements in folding tops for touring cars, motor boats, and other vehicles commonly known as one man extension tops, in that it may be extended, folded or clashed by a single individual without assistance.

The main object is to enable such to to be easily and quickly extended or folde by a single operator on either seat or either side of the vehicle, without excessively elevating or depressing any part of the covering during these operatlons.

Another object is to assemble the front and intermediate bows in such manner that when the main su porting bow is raised from its folded or c ashed position to or beyond a substantially vertical position, the front and intermediate bows are automatically swung by their own weight toward the front for partially extending the top, thereby permitting the extension to be completed by the operator from a position on either seat or at either side of the vehicle by simply engaging and pushing forward upon either section of the front toggle sockets the intermediate bow socket, or either one of the tie pieces connected to said sockets.

A further object is to deflect the toggle joints some distance above the plane of the toggle sections and to provide said toggle joints with stofp shoulders wholly above the lower edges 0 said sections when the top is distended, so as to reduce the liability of flexing these joints downwardly by vibration of the car or other accidental causes.

A still further object is to provide simple means for looking or holding the front and intermediate bow sockets to the main bow socket when these parts are folded or clashed.

Other objects and uses relating to specific parts of the folding. supports for the top will be brought out in the following de- 'scriptiom In the drawings- Figure 1 is a side elevation of an upper portion of an automobile body, showing one form of my improved foldable top, the dotted lines at the left indicating thefolded position, while the dotted lines at the right show the front and intermediate bow sockets as partly extended and in the position they assume by their own weight when the main bow sockets are adjusted to shelter position.

Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevation of a portion of the main bow socket and rear socket attached thereto, showing also the adjacent ends of the front toggle socket and device for locking the latter to the main socket.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3--3, Figure 2, showing the locking device.

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through a portion of the main bow and socket, showing the extension on the socket for receiving the adjacent tie piece.

Figure 5 is an elevation similar to Figure 1, showing a shorter top in which the main bow and sockets are disposed in an upright position when in shelter position, and a tie-piece slidably connecting the intermediate bow with the main bow.

As previously intimated, this folding top is adapted to be used in connection with touring cars and similar vehicles requiring a top of considerable length, and for this purpose I have shown a portion of an automobile body A and a flexible cover ar-, having its rear end fastened in the usual manner to the rear end of the bod A and its remaining portions attached at intervals to rear bows 1- and 2, a main bow 3 and front and intermediate bows 4 and 5-, all of which bows are mounted respectively in metal sockets -2, ,-3'-, 4- and -5'.

The main sockets 3 are pivotally mounted at --6 to suitable supports on opposite sides of the rear end of the body or rear seat, and when in shelter position incline upwardly and forwardly from the pivots.

The front bow sockets 4- are connected by toggle joints 7- to suitable toggle arms -8- which are pivoted at their rear ends at 9--' to the upper ends of the main sockets 3'-. The ends of the sockets 4 and the arms 8- which meet in toggle joint 7 are curved or deflected upwardly toward the cover aand above their respective planes so that the toggle joints -7- lie above a direct line between the front end of the bow 4 and pivots --9- when the top is extended to shelter position, under which conditions the meeting ends of the sections --U and 8- abut against each other in a plane above the intersection of the lower edges of said sections so that they not only limit the upward swinging movement of the toggle joints, but resist downward sagging thereof, not only durm vibration when the cover load is temporarily relieved or when there is a momentar reversal 0 stress at the forward end 0 the top, as might occur under springing of the ody when the forward end of the to has a rigid anchorage, but under norma conditions as well.

Defiecting the toggle joint some distance above the intersections of the planes of the sectlons 4 and -8 is desirable toestablish a toggle lock capable of retaining itself in its locked position against downward displacement under vibration of the machine or other accidental causes which might tend to depress said joint and thereby break the lock and allow the toggle sections to sag; and in some instances it may also be desirable to support the front bow upon the upper edge of a wind-shield or dash 11--, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, but these features only give greater stability to the top and may be dispensed with, without affecting the merits of this invention.

The intermediate bow sockets 5' are pivoted at l2- to approximately the central portions of the rear toggle sections 8- and when the top is in shelter position extend forwardly and upwardly from said pivots.

The cover ais secured in the usual manner to the upper faces of the bows, and therefore serves in a measure to limit the forward movement of said bows, and is thus adapted to develop a distinct rearward thrust in the front toggle sections 4 from the stress of the hold-down 11. But the development of sufficient rearward thrust in the front sections to render the toggle sections self-sustaining under the cover load and with the slight upward offset of the toggle herein illustrated, would involve excessive stresses in the cover material. For this reason, the toggle sections are provided with other sustaining means. That is to say, the sockets -5 are connected below their centers by tie pieces or links 13-- to suitable extensions 14' on the upper ends of the main sockets 3' above the pivots 9-, thereby limiting the forward swinging movement of the intermediate sockets 5' in relation to the main sockets 3-, in a manner to develop a fulcruming action at the forward pivots of said links 13 under the stresses imposed upon the intermediate how 5, with consequent lifting or sustaining stress imparted by the lower ends of said intermediate bow, through the pivots 12 to the rear toggle sections 8.

In like manner and for a similar purpose, the front sockets 4-- are pivotally connected to the front ends of links or tie pieces 15- having their rear ends pivotally connected to the intermediate sockets 5 above the centers thereof, said links or tie pieces -15- serving to support the extended sockets 4' and to reduce the liability of downward sagging of the toggle joints 7-. While the forward links 15 exercise their sustaining function upon the front tog le sections 4', the latter are employing tie toggle joints 7 as a fulcrum and developing through said links 15, a

stress upon the intermediate bow 5 which,

when in shelter position, supplements the stress imparted by cover a, thereby increasing the fulcruming action of said intermediate bow 5 upon the links 13 and assisting the lifting stress upon the rear toggle sections 8. The stress developed by the forward links 15 is in the same general direction and supplemental to the stress developed on the upper end of the bow 5 by the cover load. Moreover, the position of the pivotal conncction between links 15 and toggle sections 4' is so far to the rear on to gle sections 4 that. the leverage of the root bow 4 under the stress of the hold-down 11 causes a fulcruming action of sections 4' upon links 15 and develops a lifting action in the toggle joint and a tension in the cover material, which latter imposes the cover load upon the intermediate how 5, as stated. It will readily be understood that disposition of stresses above outlined and the several functions ascribed thereto is dependent upon the location of the several pivotal connections substantially as indicated in Figure 1. That is to say, the pivotal connections between rear links 13 and intermediate bow sockets 15 is so near to the pivot of the latter upon the rear toggle sections 8 as to develop a substantial domination of the leverage through which the cover load acts at the outer end of said intermediate bow, over the leverage through which the rear toggle sections act at the inner ends of said intermediate bow, and thereby insure a lifting and sustainin effect upon the toggle arms; in other wor s, render the entire forward top structure self-sustaining, by the fulcruming action of the intermediate bow upon the links extending from the main bow, when once the top is extended to shelter position and secured by the front hold-down 11. In like manner, it is essential that the forward links 15 be pivoted at points on the intermediate bow well above the fulcruming points of said bow upon the rear links 13, in order that the load imposed by the front toggle sections throu h said forward links 15 may act with en stantial levera e in supplementing the cover load, and deve oping the fulcrumin action of the intermediate bow upon tie rear links 13. This action is also dependent upon freedom from restraint in the hinging action between the links 15 and the front how,

4; that is to say, the front how 4 must be free at all times to maintain a fulcruming action at its pivotal connection with the links 15, as any means limiting the an lar movement between these parts, woul develop a downward stress at the toggle joint- 7 and negative the lifting stress due to the fulcruming action of the intermediate bow 5' upon the links 13. This does not mean that the shoulders 10 may not come into action to limit the upward flexingof the side arms; on the contrary, means may be provided for limiting the movement resulting from the fulcruming action of the parts so long as the limiting action does not impose a counter-force upon the fulcruming elements.

In order that the intermediate bow may fulcrum upon the link, the latter must be, as its name implies, a link connection between the intermediate bow and the main bow. And especially must the link avoid resistance to the lifting effect of the intermediate bow acting as a lever upon the side arms which is a further reason for fulcruming the intermediate bow upon a. link which terminates at its pivotal connection with the intermediate bow, instead of a strut or brace which extends beyond and makes connection with the side arm.

The length of the toggle sections 8 is nearly equal to the distance between the pivots 9 and 6 but is slightly shorter so as to allow the toggle joint to swing clear of the body of the vehicle in folding and unfolding the top, and by making these toggle sections substantailly straight and deflecting their meeting ends toward the cover or above the intersection of their respective planes, it is evident that a space will be left between those sections when folded, thus permitting the insertion of the hand between them for grasping the front sections and forcing them forward in the act of extendin said top, this space also reducing the liability of pinching the hand or fingers between the sections during the folding operation.

By connecting the links or tie pieces -13 and --15 in the manner described, it is evident that they approximate plzmllelism, the object of which is to cause t front low ceilings wlthout the lie and intermediate sections to unfold or extend forwardly in a lane nearly parallel with the body so that 51c top may be folded or extended in garages havin comparatively ility of interference therewith.

Another advantage of this type of connection is' that when the socket 3' is forced forwardly to the limit of its forward movement in the act of extending the top, tliecombined elements of the front and intermediate bows with their sockets, and with the links 13 and -15-, will have their center of gravity some distance in front of said main how 3, thereby causin these parts to assume by their own weight t e partially extended position shown by dotted lines in Figure 1.

It will readily be understood that in shifting from shelter position to folded position, and vice versa, the described cooperation of the elements which make u the projecting part of the top structure is dependent upon the location of the parts substantially as indicated, and their pivotal connections already described at length in setting forth the self-sustaining characteristics of the to That is to say, the gravitation of the e ements to partially extended position is due largely and the ease with which the top may be thereafter extended results wholly from the fact that, as each part swings away from the main bow, it acts upon a connected member in a direction to extend the latter toward shelter position, so that it is merely necessary to 1mpart a forward pull which may be not only without lifting exertion, but even in a. partially downward direction upon a part or attachment of the front bow within reach, in order to impart an extending movement. The reason for this is that in the organization described, the intermediate bow fulcrums upon the rear links in its forward movement and thereby develops an extending stress upon the rear toggle members, while the front bow, in its forward movement, exerts a forward pull u on the intermediate bow through the orward links, if used, or else through the cover material, either of which is well above the fulcrums of the intermediate bow, and since the forward bow is fulcrumed upon the forward links, it exerts an extending stress upon the toggle joint, as well. After a certain degree of movement, these extending stresses become lifting stresses.

While the self-sustaining function and the easy shifting function are realized from one and the same organization of bows, toggle members and links, as herein described, it is obvious that these functions are separate and distinct, so that the realization of either of such functions by the use of such organization, would be within the purview of the present invention, even thou h additional or other devices mightbe ad ed or substituted for the purpose of realizing the other of said functions.

I desire it to be further understood that while the aims of my invention are realized in fullest measure y including all of the disclosed elements in the orgamzatiomthey may be realized to a measurably beneficial degree, even thou h one or more of the elements be omitte For instance, the easy extension characteristic is due primaril to the presence of the rear links exten 'ng downwardly from the main bow and havin the intermediate bow fulcrumed \(IlPOH sai rear links at points on the interme late bow near their pivotal connections, with the rear toggle members coupled with the presence of some form of tension connection between the forward and intermediate bows, through which the forward bow may draw the intermediate bow forward. This lastnamed connection may; be the cover material alone, or it may be t e forward links. Or both of said connections may be in effect when the to is in shelter position. If both are emp oyed, the shifting of the parts is a little easier and the sustaining truss a little more secure by the presence of the forward links. But this is by substitution of forward link stresses for the cover stress in the organization described, and not due to any modification of function of the rear links, for the latter act in the manner explained, to direct the intermediate bow and the toggle members during shifting action, and to exercise sustaining stress upon the toggle members, when in sheltegeposition, whether the forward links are u or not.

In Figure 5 is shown a slightly modified folding to as used for the s orter touring cars, in w ich one of the rear bows is omitted and the main how -3-- and its sockets are disposed in a substantially vertical position when extended for use, but the main difference lies in the use of slotted tie ieces 13 connecting the up er ends of t e main bow-sockets 3'- to t e intermediate bow socket 5- below its center.

Slotting these links not only permits their connection at points on the intermediate bow sockets which secure the greatest strength and efliciency in limiting and holding the front portion of the extended top against its welght without interfering in an way with the folding of such top, but a so reduces the liability of shearin or mutilating the folds of the covering w en the top is clashed.

It will be noted that these tie pieces or links 13, or -13' and 15 hinged or pivoted to their respective sockets, not only serve to sue end the ends of the sockets remote from eir corresponding bows,

when the top is extendedso as to prevent downward sagging or breaking of the toggle look at the joints -7- and add greatly to themes of extendin the top as a read explamed, but they a relieve some 0 the stress on the cover material immediately in rear of their res ctive bows.

It is also evi cut that even in the form shown in Figure 5, where the main bow is brought to a substantially vertical osition in extending the top, the weight of t e front and intermediate ows with their sockets, being centered at the front of the main bow, will cause, and the relative disposition of the link ivots 118011 the intermediate and forward soc ets w' assist, them to fall forward and partially extend the top automatically, whereupon the further extension may be continued b the operator by pushing forward upon eit er the front or intermediate bow or their sockets or upon the tie pieces 15.

The slots in the tie bars 13' are preferably formed in the ends which are connected to the intermediate bow 5' and made to receive the pivot pins on said how, and thus establish sliding connection between said tie-bars and intermediate bow. This is particularly useful in connection with tops in which the main bow assumes a vertical position when the top is extended to prevent binding between the said tie pieces and the intermediate bow and to allow the said intermediate bow and the front bow to swin more easily and automatically toward t eir extended positions when the main bow is brought to an u right position. When the intermediate an front ows are completely folded on the main how, the intermediate bow link-pin lies in the up r end of the link slot. But when the mam bow reaches vertical position, the intermediate bow falls forward until its link-pin is arrested in the lower end of said slot swingin the links forward simultaneously. The rent how will swing outwardl simultaneously or in advance, and since it acts upon the intermediate bow through the forward links, or if these links are not used, through the cover material, in either instance, at a point well above the slotted link connections it will be seen that in the arrangement of liigure 5, as in that of Figure 1, the front bow assists in developing the automatic initial extendingmovement, as well as the subsequent fulcruming action of the intermediate bow on the rear links incident to completion of extending movement.

In both forms of my invention, all extension parts are hidden by the side fla s or quarters when the top is up. It wi also be noted that each arrangement embodies the combination of stop-joint and two-trues connection which makes the front extension self-supporting, and relieves undue stresses that would tend to strain in the topfabric when the top is ad'usted for use. will also be noted that 0 setting the extension 14 on the main bow and locating its pivots in front of the transverse plane of said how avoids binding of the worln'ng parts and also reduces to a minimum the iability of cutting or shearing the cover material as the parts are opened and closed. In the foregoing specification, I have used the term soc et in many instances, referrin to those arts which are usually madein ollow or tu ular form and tosome of which bent wooden bows are usually applied in ractice in completing a bow member, but

I esire it understood that such term is merely one of identification of the part and not a term of limitation, since the essence of the invention is not concerned with any articular construction of these members.

ence such term, as well as the terms toggle arms, toggle members toggle sections, or side arms as ese parts are called in the claim, and bows are intended to cover any members which are adapted to enter into and perform the functions of these parts in a top structure having the elements herein set forth in substantial] the cooperative relationship describe Such terms may, of course, extend to an organization of the form in which the structure usually leaves the factory, which is minus the bows proper or outer shaping portions of the bow members which are generally added by the top maker.

What I claim is:

A foldable vehicle top comprising a main how, a front bow, twoart jointed side arms pro'ecting said front w forwardly from sai main how, an intermediate bow pivoted to and extending from the rear parts of the said side arms upwardly and forwardl to the cover line, supportin links exten ing from the upper portion 0 the intermediate bow downwardly and forwardly to the front parts of the side arms and fulcrum'ing links pivoted to and extending from the upper portion of the main bow to the lower rtion of the intermediate bow and pivot to said intermediate bow between its connections with the supporting links and its connections with the side arms; all of said connections permitting, in shelter position, pivotal action of the parts connected; the parts of each of the side arms being deflected upward] to the 'oints which connect them and sai joints eing limited in upward movement; the front bow being provided with means for holding it in shelter position and fulcruming upon its supporting hnksand said links by the position of their connections with the intermediate bow, develo ing a substantial rearward thrust on the ront parts of the side arms, to assist in holding the side-arm joints in their elevated position and against downward breaking.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 15th da Y of August, 1914.

GEO GE H. HIGGINS.

Witnesses:

H. E. Cruse, Howann P. Dawson.

Certificate of Correction.

It is hereby certified that the middle name of the assignee in Letters Patent No. 1,493,814, May 13, 1924, upon the application of George H. Hi gins, of Cortland, ew York, for an improvement in Folding To for Vehio es, was erroneously written and printed as Thurston, whereas sai middle name should have been written and printed as T 1111mm", as shown b the rewards of assignments in this ofiice; and that the said Letters Patent should )e lead with this correction therein that the same may conform to tho-record of the ease in the Patent Oflioe.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of September, A. D. 1925.

[snu KARL FENNING,

Acting Commissioner of Patem. 

